If you are over 40, it may seem like everyone you speak to is getting Botox or fillers. Botox is one of the most popular anti-ageing treatments the world over and promises instant results in skin appearance. Sounds like magic, right?
While Botox and fillers are reliable skin care tools for many, scheduling regular injections is a big commitment on both your time and finances. On top of that, the treatments themselves can come with some unpleasant side effects. Luckily, alternative ingredients and other anti ageing skin care practices are available to help keep your skin youthful and healthy.
What is Botox?
Botox is short for botulinum toxin type A. The word toxin is right there in the name. This particular toxin is created by one of the microbes responsible for food poisoning.
When Botox is injected into specific muscles of the face, this neuro-muscular blocker partially paralyses the muscles to stop them from contracting. Their inability to move softens and prevents wrinkles and gives a smoother appearance. One of the downsides, however, is that this effect is temporary and will wear off in around six months.
One of the most significant side effects experienced by Botox users is that by blocking muscle function, there is a decrease in the range of emotions they can express on their faces. In addition, some users experience pain, skin discoloration, bruising, droopy eyelids, headaches, dry skin, difficulty breathing, nerve and muscle weakness, vision issues, and autoimmune disorders.
What are Cosmetic Fillers?
Cosmetic or dermal fillers are gel injectables of hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or other synthetic biocompatible substances. There are a variety of approved dermal filler products used by cosmetic surgeons. The gel substance is injected beneath your skin to help restore lost volume and plump up your skin’s appearance.
A non-synthetic filler option is to re-distribute your body’s own fat deposits. Your fat will be harvested from another area of your body and inserted into the face to create more volume in your cheeks, eyelids, and other areas.
Alternative Options
To maintain a timeless and healthy appearance, your skin needs moisture and a range of nutrients so that it can boost its own cells to become younger. The best skin care products for over 40 year olds include antioxidants, peptides, amino acids, collagen, ceramides, niacinamide, vitamins, omega oils and fatty acids. Anti ageing face serums from Swiss Toniq contain all of these necessary elements and what’s impressive is that it packs them all into each product. Let’s look at some powerful natural anti ageing skin care ingredients.
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants can help protect your skin from UV radiation, prevent the breakdown of collagen, improve hydration, preserve the natural healing process, and block the production of wrinkles. Overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays will accelerate the ageing process.
Antioxidants include carotenoids, zinc, selenium, retinol, vitamin C, vitamin A, and others. Including antioxidants in your diet and antioxidant skin care products in your daily routine can be a much more cost-effective anti-ageing solution than Botox treatments.
2. Ceramides
Ceramides are naturally occurring fats in the skin, making up over half of the skin’s structure. These fats strengthen the makeup of the skin. Including ceramides in your topical daily skincare routine can help replenish the skin’s natural loss through ageing. The addition of new ceramides creates a smoother and younger appearance.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a very popular ingredient found in many moisturising skincare products. This is because it is a crucial and naturally occurring element for hydrating skin. Just one molecule of hyaluronic acid can hold almost 1000 times its own weight in water. This vital ingredient can also help your skin retain its natural collagen and elasticity.
4. Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are beneficial to the body in a variety of ways. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can lower risks of cardiovascular disease, abnormal heart rhythm, blood clots, and dementia, and on top of all of that, they can help turn back time for your skin. Omega fatty acids help to repair the cells and lipid barrier of the skin to create a smoother, more even surface.
5. Peptides
Peptides are bits of proteins that act as skin cell building blocks. Different peptides work in different ways. One particular peptide called Argireline can mimic the effects of Botox, reducing dynamic movement in facial muscles. Peptides can also help to increase collagen production, improve elasticity, protect against UV rays, and stimulate the repair of damaged skin cells.
6. Niacinamide
Niacinamide can help minimise pore size and soften wrinkles and fine lines. Overexposure to the sun can damage the lipid barrier of the skin, and niacinamide helps repair that damage. A fixed lipid barrier prevents loss of moisture, keeps out bacteria and microbes, and creates a more even skin tone.
7. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, as mentioned above. It happens to be a very powerful antioxidant and crucial for blocking free radicals from the skin. Vitamin C can also improve skin hydration, brighten skin tone, reduce discoloration, and support collagen production for firming.
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential for skin hydration. This antioxidant helps the skin keep in moisture, soothes irritation, and reduces the look of wrinkles. It is considered a first defence against free radicals and environmental elements. Vitamin E seals the outermost layer of the skin, holding in natural moisture.
While Botox and dermal fillers are praised for instantaneous effects and used by millions, for those who wish to avoid regular injections, can’t afford the treatments, or may be pregnant, there are gentler, more natural anti-ageing solutions. To age with confidence, ensure your skincare routine includes all the nutrients necessary to slow down the effects of time.